Sadly, the town is planning to proceed with this development of a 12,000sqft building and solar field, despite many unanswered questions on the validity, cost, environmental impact and engineering feasibility of this site. 

Before the public meeting started, I was approached by the First Selectman, and told that “it’s a done deal, this is going to happen. The area has already been surveyed and we are putting up a large barn, but don’t worry about it, it’s all going to be fine and you won’t see a thing”. 

I was surprised to hear that the decision had already been made, and surveys already completed, as the meeting to decide if the land should even be purchased, hadn’t even begun.

Later in the meeting, we were told that Torrington Area Health had also already completed surveys of the property, wetlands had been delineated etc. When the Selectman was asked “what will happen to the endangered species?”, he replied with the following: “It will have to move. You said it’s a bird, right? It will just fly away”. There was a dismissive tone to this comment, which was disheartening. 

I know many people would have liked to have a say in this project, and at a minimum, would have liked to receive more information on it, and were not able to attend this meeting. 

Many people feel that they were not given enough notice or information to make an informed decision. There was a lack of transparency with what has occurred here, and that is an injustice to the people who put their faith in the Leadership of this town, and who pay taxes in this town. 

I wanted to thank all those who signed this petition. I urge you to continue to forward it along for signatures. I will continue to post updates. 

If you have suggestions or comments on how to raise awareness on this issue, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you again for your support.